Lake Wyaralong offers competitive travel and accommodation advantages for Brisbane 2032

The Scenic Rim Olympics, Sports and Recreation Advisory Committee is urging renewed consideration of Lake Wyaralong as the rowing venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, citing the venue’s travel and accommodation credentials, most suitable Olympic-ready infrastructure, and legacy potential for South East Queensland.

Located just one hour from Brisbane, Lake Wyaralong is the home of Rowing Queensland and a host of over thirty major rowing events annually. The venue offers a purpose-built 2,000-metre, 8–10 lane buoyed course—requiring modest investment to scale off-water facilities to Olympic competition.

“Lake Wyaralong already serves Queensland’s rowing community and is the natural choice for 2032,” said Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp.

“Its location, infrastructure, and accommodation options make it a low-risk, cost effective, legacy-rich, and high-return option.”

Travel and Accommodation Efficiency

Lake Wyaralong has accommodation for over 1,600 athletes and team personnel, within a 35-minute travel radius, supported by a network of tourism providers across the Scenic Rim. A range of sites offer scalable, regional options that reduce the need for costly temporary villages.

Further private investment in accommodation is planned, aligning with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games’ sustainability and legacy goals, as well as supporting the Scenic Rim’s projected population growth.

"With over 1,600 beds already identified—and further investment on the way—Lake Wyaralong is not only a feasible option for Brisbane 2032, but also a smart one. It also addresses the Scenic Rim’s growing accommodation needs well beyond the Games,” Cr Sharp said.

“It reflects the values of sustainability, cost control and long-term benefit that Brisbane 2032 has set out to deliver.”

Legacy-Focused, Ready-to-Scale Venue

Estimated infrastructure improvements—covering road, energy, waste, and telecommunications—are costed for $100 million, significantly lower than the investment required for new or more remote alternative venues.

Importantly, rowing events historically held in Rockhampton have been relocated to Lake Wyaralong due to flood events and limited infrastructure. This includes major rowing competitions such as the Queensland State School Rowing Championships, in September 2025.

“This is not a proposal built on hope—this is an existing venue with established capability and regional momentum,” Cr Sharp said.

“Choosing Lake Wyaralong would align with the Games' commitment to legacy, accessibility, and regional inclusion.”

Supporting Information:

Olympic alignment and legacy context

1. Sustainable Solutions:

Accommodation capacity (1,622+ beds identified)

Existing and scalable accommodation options are located within a 35-minute radius of Lake Wyaralong - reducing the need for temporary Olympic Villages and aligning with Brisbane Games 2032 sustainability framework.

2. Tourism and Economic Growth

• Internationally Recognised for Sustainability

The Scenic Rim has earned ECO Destination Certification from Ecotourism Australia, highlighting its strong commitment to sustainable tourism. As of 2025, it is one of only six certified regions in Queensland and the 12th in Australia to receive this prestigious designation.

• Globally Significant Natural Assets

Home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, the Scenic Rim features six national parks and three major lakes—Wyaralong, Moogerah, and Maroon—offering rich nature-based and adventure tourism experiences.

• Globally Acclaimed Destination

Named by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 regions in the world to visit, the Scenic Rim continues to gain international recognition for its natural beauty, food, and hospitality.

• Strong Tourism Economy

In 2023–2024, the Scenic Rim generated $345.2 million in tourism sales, with a total economic value added of $179.2 million, underscoring its importance as a regional economic driver.

• Rapid Growth and Investment Potential

The Scenic Rim’s population is projected to grow by more than 50 per cent by 2041, with an increase of over 20,000 new residents and 9,000 new dwellings, driving demand for infrastructure and services.

• Strategic Investment Opportunities

Significant opportunities exist across accommodation, sports, education, and innovation infrastructure—particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the Scenic Rim well-positioned to support and benefit from this global event.

3. Strategic Developments Nearby

Bromelton State Development Area (30 mins from Wyaralong) is set to become a major freight, logistics, and manufacturing hub, supporting new jobs, increased infrastructure investment, and long-term residential and commercial growth.

4. Economic and Community Legacy

The uplift in economic activity, driven by Games-related investment, is expected to generate:

• Long-term benefits to youth sport development and local clubs
• A higher-profile tourism offering including increased visitation and global exposure.
• Expanded business and procurement activity.
• Increased value-add and employment.